‘They must be arrested’: More than 109 illegal or dangerous items confiscated in 3 Joburg schools
Maile said the discovery of bullets, knives, and other potentially dangerous objects required decisive action.
Gauteng Education MEC Lebogang Maile has called for criminal charges against students found with illegal items at three Alexandra high schools, after over 109 prohibited objects were confiscated during a surprise operation. The South African Police Service coordinated the search of East Bank High School, Realogile High School, and Alexandra High School to combat drugs, weapons, and other prohibited items in Gauteng schools.
EC Maile expressed concern over discipline and leadership at East Bank High School, stating that "they must be arrested" and charged for possessing bullets, knives, and other dangerous objects. He instructed the principal to submit a report identifying students involved and detailing the actions to be taken, adding that criminal cases should be opened where appropriate, while disciplinary matters would be addressed through regular procedures.
During the operation, more than 40 items were seized at East Bank High School, including eight disposable vapes, cigarettes, dagga-related substances, scissors, multi-tools, and glass shards. Maile criticized the school's discipline, noting a lack of leadership and discipline, which he believes contributed to the discovery of these items.
At Realogile High School, over 41 items were found, including seven disposable vapes, glass shards, scissors, and matchboxes, along with 20 cupcakes that will be inspected for prohibited substances. Alexandra High School saw the confiscation of 28 items, such as disposable vapes, suspected dagga substances, matchboxes, broken glass, and a multi-tool containing a knife and pliers.
Across the three schools, authorities recovered 14 suspected dagga sachets and three dagga joints, alongside knives, tools, glass shards, scissors, vapes, cigarettes, matchboxes, and grinders. EC Maile emphasized the need to instill discipline in schools, respecting them as places of learning and teaching. He also linked the issues at East Bank High School to broader social challenges, mentioning previous incidents of furniture damage and burning.
The department plans to collaborate with parents, students, teachers, and communities to ensure school safety and improve academic performance.
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